GS1000e - Touring Friendly

[GS1000e]

I have a gs1000e and need some advice. I'm looking to add some legs to my bike. The goal is to make it more highway friendly - less buzzy. Two items I'm looking at are a new sprocket set up and replacing the points with a Electronic Ignition. Currently it's stock. What is a good setup to lower rpms at 80-85 mph? I'm not too concerned about bring the front wheel off the ground during starts.

Thanks,

[Steve]

If your bike is "buzzy", check your carb sync. The larger bikes are particularly sensitive to carb sync.

Don't worry about wearing out the engine because you are running at higher revs. These engines were made to run and start running very well at the engine speeds required for highway driving. However, if you want to drop engine speed a bit, go up one tooth on the engine sprocket. I could not find whether your bike came with a 15 or 16 tooth front sprocket, but adding one tooth to either one will drop the engine speed about 6.5%. If your engine is turning at 4500 rpm, the new sprocket would let it turn at 4200. Does not sound like much on paper, but it might be enough to drop it out of any "buzzy" range. Caution, if you drop engine speed too far, it will fall out of the power band and you will have to add a lot of throttle to maintain road speed. The engine will be turningn slower, but you will use a lot more gas,and your mileage will fall dramatically.

.

[Sandy]

The GS1000 I have now is my second one and I find the stock gearing about ideal for higher speed cruising. There is an inherent buzz around the 4,000 rpm mark which is fairly normal with these. That occurs around 60 mph and changing the gearing will only raise the mph where this occurs and put it closer to where you want to cruise. Proper tuning can minimize the buzz but it will still be there and short supersport type bars make it more noticeable. At 5,000+ rpm the engine should be perfectly smooth. I've done a few 600 - 800 mile days and a even more 400+ mile days this year and most cruising I do was in the 80 - 85 mph range and personally I think the bike is right at home at these speeds with stock gearing. Definitely a personal choice though.

[doctorgonzo]

I'd agree with the above that about 4000 is a little buzzy, just at the point where it really starts to pull then it smooths out on through the RM range. I can see where this would be a mild problem as on a 1000 4000 RPM is about 55 to 60 MPH which would be a low speed cruise.

[twr1776]

+ 1 on checking your carb synch to rule it out as a cause. You might also consider adding a set of the Manic Salamander bar ends and a throttle rocker, cramp buster, or cruise control of some type. Ear plugs if you do not wear them already also will help. The bigger GS motors seem to be a little more prone to the buzzing. I have both the below products on my 1100 and there is definately a before and after difference for all day riding.

http://crampbuster.com/

http://www.manicsalamander.com/bar_end_weight.htm

[drhach]

I can help with this. Go out and get yourself any of the old solid mount Harleys; preferably an old Sportster/Shovelhead/Panhead. Ride it all day at highway speeds. Once the pain leaves your lower back and the numbness in your hands and feet goes away, you will be cured. It really is a matter of perspective. After riding a rigid-framed 65 Panhead for several years, where anything over 100 miles was pure torture, any bike I've owned since has been a pleasure cruise. Also, maybe think about riding with some padded gloves. It really helps.

[Dave8338]

I can help with this. Go out and get yourself any of the old solid mount Harleys; preferably an old Sportster/Shovelhead/Panhead. Ride it all day at highway speeds. Once the pain leaves your lower back and the numbness in your hands and feet goes away, you will be cured. It really is a matter of perspective. After riding a rigid-framed 65 Panhead for several years, where anything over 100 miles was pure torture, any bike I've owned since has been a pleasure cruise. Also, maybe think about riding with some padded gloves. It really helps.

And that folks, is a PILE of truth! Any rigid rides like a plank and if you want the real effect...go with the Springer front end.
Add to that a finely tuned Hardley twin and you got the Full Meal Deal!